CRISPR

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CRISPR Noun

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[kris-per]

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CRISPR

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A genetic engineering tool that uses a special DNA sequence and an associated protein to edit the base pairs of a gene.

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Example: A CRISPR protein complex uses a guide molecule (RNA) to find and attach to a specific target sequence on a DNA strand.

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Genetic Engineering Noun

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[juh-net-ik en-juh-neer-ing]

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Genetic Engineering

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The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology to alter its characteristics for a desired outcome.

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Example: This diagram shows a restriction enzyme, a tool in genetic engineering, recognizing and cutting a specific sequence of a DNA strand to modify it.

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Gene Noun

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[jeen]

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Gene

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A distinct sequence of nucleotides in a chromosome that codes for a specific functional product, such as a protein.

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Example: This diagram shows that a gene is a specific section of a DNA molecule, which is tightly coiled into a chromosome inside a cell's nucleus.

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Base Pairs Noun

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[beys pairz]

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Base Pairs

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The fundamental units of the DNA double helix, consisting of pairs of nucleotides that link the two DNA strands together.

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Example: This diagram shows that DNA's ladder-like structure is formed by specific 'base pairs': Adenine (A) always connects with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) with Cytosine (C).

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Gene Editing Noun

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[jeen ed-i-ting]

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Gene Editing

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A group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism's DNA at particular, targeted locations.

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Example: This diagram compares different gene editing tools, like CRISPR, that create a double-strand break in DNA, which is then repaired through different cellular pathways.

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Cas9 Enzyme Noun

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[kas-nahyn en-zahym]

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Cas9 Enzyme

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A protein that acts like 'molecular scissors' to cut DNA at a specific location, guided by an RNA sequence.

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Example: This diagram shows the Cas9 enzyme (blue) using a guide RNA (gRNA) to find a specific spot on a DNA strand and make a precise cut.

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Genome Noun

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[jee-nohm]

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Genome

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The complete set of genetic material, including all of its genes, present in a cell or organism.

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Example: Your genome is your complete set of DNA, inherited half from your father and half from your mother, which provides the instructions for your traits.

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GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Noun

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[jee-em-oh]

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GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

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An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, often to introduce a new trait.

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Example: This image shows that a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is created by altering an organism's DNA, resulting in improved traits like better crop health.

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Mutation Noun

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[myoo-tey-shuhn]

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Mutation

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A permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, which may or may not be harmful.

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Example: This diagram shows how a change (mutation) in a gene's DNA sequence can cause the cell to build an incorrect or abnormal protein.

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Off-target cuts Noun

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[of-tahr-git kuts]

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Off-target cuts

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Unintended cuts made by a gene-editing enzyme at locations in the genome other than the intended target sequence.

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Example: This diagram shows the CRISPR-Cas9 tool cutting DNA. It correctly cuts the 'on-target' site but can also mistakenly cut incorrect 'off-target' sites.